How Well Do You Know Underwater Plants?

Hydrophytes are plants that are adapted to live in aquatic environments, such as underwater. These plants have special adaptations that allow them to survive in water, such as the ability to absorb oxygen from the water and float on the surface. Therefore, it is correct to say that underwater plants are also called hydrophytes.

Duckweed is a typical example of plants that are not rooted and free to move about the surface of the water. Duckweed is a small floating plant that is often found in ponds and other bodies of water. It has no roots and instead floats freely on the surface, allowing it to move with the water currents. This adaptability allows duckweed to quickly colonize new areas and spread across bodies of water.

Amphiphytes are a group of underwater plants that have the ability to survive both under the water and on land. They are adapted to live in both aquatic and terrestrial environments, allowing them to thrive in areas that experience fluctuations in water levels. These plants have specialized structures that enable them to obtain oxygen and nutrients from both water and soil. By being able to survive in both habitats, amphiphytes have a greater chance of survival and are able to colonize a wider range of ecosystems.

Underwater plants are known to survive exclusively in wetlands. Wetlands provide the necessary conditions for these plants to thrive, such as a constant water supply and nutrient-rich soil. Arid lands, islands, and thick lands do not typically have the required moisture levels and conditions for underwater plants to survive. Therefore, wetlands are the correct answer in this case.

Underwater plants often face the challenge of obtaining oxygen for respiration. Aerenchyma is a specialized tissue that helps these plants adapt to their aquatic environment by providing a pathway for the exchange of gases. It consists of large air-filled spaces within the plant's tissues, allowing for the diffusion of oxygen from the atmosphere to reach the submerged parts of the plant. This adaptation enables underwater plants to survive and thrive in low-oxygen environments, making aerenchyma the most common adaptation among them.

Ipomea aquantica is an example of an aquatic plant that is consumed by humans. This plant, also known as water spinach or kangkong, is a popular leafy vegetable in many Asian cuisines. It is rich in vitamins and minerals, and its tender shoots and leaves are commonly used in stir-fries, soups, and salads. Due to its high nutritional value and versatility in cooking, Ipomea aquantica is widely consumed and enjoyed by people around the world.

Seaweeds are classified as aquatic plants because they are multicellular marine algae that grow in water. Although they are not vascular plants, they still share similarities with other aquatic plants in terms of their habitat and growth patterns. Seaweeds are able to photosynthesize and obtain nutrients from the water, just like other aquatic plants. Therefore, the correct answer is aquatic plants.

Sea waves can cause turbulence and disturbance in the water, which can affect the growth and stability of underwater plants. Strong waves can uproot or break the plants, leading to a decrease in their concentration. Additionally, waves can stir up sediments and increase water turbidity, reducing the amount of sunlight available for photosynthesis. This can further hinder the growth of underwater plants and contribute to their decreased concentration with increasing depth.

Flooding is the principal factor that controls the distribution of underwater plants. Flooding can determine the availability of water and nutrients in an area, which directly affects the growth and survival of underwater plants. It can also impact the amount of light that reaches the plants, as excessive flooding can lead to increased turbidity and reduced light penetration. Therefore, flooding plays a crucial role in shaping the distribution patterns of underwater plants.

Isoetids are a group of rosette plants that are able to complete their entire lifecycle while submerged in water. This means that they are adapted to live and reproduce in aquatic environments. Unlike pleuston, which refers to organisms that live on the surface of water, isoetids are specifically adapted to live underwater. Liverworts and bladderworts are not specifically known for completing their lifecycle underwater, making isoetids the correct answer.